7 Major Hiking Areas of Hocking Hills
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The Hocking Hills area has 7 major hiking spots! All of which are super unique! Read on to learn more about Hocking Hills Hiking!
1. Ash Cave
Ash Cave is one of the 7 major hiking trails in this park. This trail is around half a mile long and for the average walker, it will take around 40 minutes to complete. Hikers are required to go one way and hikers who have to use Wheelchairs can also go along this route. This is an asphalt trail through a lovely gorge with cliff walls. Halfway along the trail, there is a recess cave and a fantastic seasonal waterfall. After reaching this area, Hikers (not in Wheelchairs) must continue along the one-way system and up a flight of steps to the rim trail. This trail leads back to the parking lot. This path is clearly marked with signs.
It is imperative that hikers stay on the marked trail. Well-behaved pets are permitted on this trail, providing that they stay on their leashes. No wading or swimming in the waterfall or the creeks.
Ash Cave: 27291 State Route 56, South Bloomingville, OH 43152 | GPS Tracking: (39.395993,-82.545927)
2. Cedar Falls
Cedar Falls is one of the major hiking trails of the Hocking Hills State Park and is based in Southern Ohio. This path is around 1/2 miles long. This is a strenuous walk and it has plenty of steps. Visitors need to be physically fit to partake in this walk. It is a one-way trail system and it has a waterfall, bridges, and an interesting rock system. Halfway along the trail, there is a seasonal waterfall that is down some steps and along a dirt track. When hikers get to this area, they can continue along the one-way system through the rock formations and up a series of stairs. This hike has a moderate incline, steps, and steeper terrain.
It is imperative that hikers stay on the marked trail. Well-behaved pets are permitted on this trail, providing that they stay on their leashes. No wading or swimming in the waterfall.
Cedar Falls – Hocking Hills State Park: 21724 Ohio 374 Scenic, Logan, OH 43138 | GPS Tracking: (39.418265, -82.526295)
3. Old Man’s Cave
Old Man’s Cave is a one-way loop trail that is approximately 1 to 1.5 miles long. This trail begins at the kiosk at Upper Falls.
See our Old Man’s Cave article.
Old Man’s Cave: State Route 664, Logan OH 43138 | GPS Tracking: (39.437176, -82.539667)
4. Whispering Cave
Whispering Caves is a major hiking trail within the Hocking Hills State Park in Southern Ohio. This trail comprises a five-mile hike and it is in a loop. It has a swinging bridge and a Waterfall. There are two places where you will be able to go onto the trail.
1 – You can start at the visitor Center. There are some steps at the Center near the kiosk. Halfway to Cedar Falls, you can follow the purple Trail which is marked by a sign.
2 – You can also start at Upper Falls near the kiosk. Follow the blue trail markers and signs 1 1/2 miles to the Whispering Cave. It will then loop one-way to Whispering Cave and then back to the visitor center.
This is a strenuous hike. It’s not recommended for people who are not physically fit or have health issues. The trail involves a steep incline, cliff edges, and steeper terrain. Not suitable for young children and pets.
Hikers must stay on the marked trail. Well-behaved pets are allowed, providing that they are on a leash at all times. No wading or swimming in the waterfall or creeks.
Whispering Cave: State Route 664, Logan OH 43138| GPS Tracking: (39.424856, -82.552077) Location of Cave and Trail, but parking is at Old Man’s Cave parking lot.
Parking at Old Man’s Cave to access the trail (it is a 5-mile, one-way loop. To hike this trail, you must go the entire 5-mile loop as it is one way): GPS Tracking to Old Man’s Cave Lot for access: (39.437176, -82.539667).
5. Conkle’s Hollow
Conkles Hollow is a major hiking trail in Hocking Hills State Park.
There are 2 trails to hike, the Upper Trail and the Lower Trail.
1 – Lower Trail is a ¾ mile-long, wheelchair-accessible trail. It takes about 1 hour to hike the trail.
2 – Upper trail is a one-way trail that is 2 miles long. This is a strenuous hike. It’s not recommended for people who are not physically fit or have health issues. Involves a steep incline, cliff edges, and steeper terrain. Also, it is not suitable for young children and pets.
It’s vital that Hikers stay on the marked trail. Well-behaved pets are allowed, providing that they are on a leash at all times. No wading or swimming in the waterfall or creeks.
READ MORE about Conkle’s Hollow HERE
Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve: 24858 Big Pine Road, Rockbridge, OH 43149 | GPS Tracking: (39.452935, -82.572075).
6. Cantwell Cliffs
Cantwell Cliffs is one of the major hiking trails in the Hocking Hills area. This is the most rugged path within the park. It is a remote hike and it is a one-way in and out loop. There are over two miles of trail with two loops, with each loop being a mile long. It takes between 60 and 80 minutes to do this hike.
Hikers must stay on the marked trail. Well-behaved pets are allowed, providing that they are on a leash at all times. No wading or swimming in the waterfall or creeks.
Cantwell Cliffs: OH-374, Rockbridge, OH 43149 | GPS Tracking: (39.539874, -82.575814)
7. Rock House
Rock House is incredibly unique within the Hocking Hills Region. It is unique as it is the only true cave in the park. It has a tunnel-like corridor and it is up a 15-foot cliff. This House of Rock has a 25-foot ceiling, the main corridor is 200 feet long and it is around 20-30 feet wide.
Rock House Loop Trail is around a mile long. Hikers can enter from either the upper or the lower parking lots. Depending on your desired level of walking, you may want to check both parking lots beforehand. PRO TIP: If you park at the first lot, you walk down on that trail, and it is where the trail comes out.
The Rock House Caves: 19852 OH-664 S Logan, OH 43138 | GPS Tracking: (35.1218° N, 92.9365° W).
(Hocking Hills State Park – General review) A very nice park. There are a number of hiking trails in and around the park. There are decent maps which help because several trails cross over and intersect with each other. We did Old Man’s Cave and the trails around the visitor center. there was not much water in either the upper or lower falls, but the rock formations were very cool and the hiking was interesting. Some of the trails are one way so you need to kind of plan your route accordingly. There was no fee to enter the park.
ScubaDave16 (Trip Advisor)
Cindy’s Insider Ohio Tips!
I love hiking in Hocking Hills because there is a trail for everybody! Whether you are looking for a paved trail that is easy or a harder multi-mile hike, Hocking Hills has got you covered! My favorite hike is between Ash Cave and Cedar Falls.
Hocking Hills Hiking
Let’s go and have some fun hiking in Hocking Hills! Have you been hiking in Hocking Hills? We would love to hear your favorite place to hike!
If you are adventurous and active, you might also enjoy Hocking Hills Kayaking
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